West Texas and New York City collided as FHS DECA students arrived for the DECA New York Experience.

Participants took a bus tour through the financial district, received an inside look at Madison Square Garden, learned about retail marketing at Macy’s flagship store, experienced Radio City Music Hall, toured The Met, reflected at the 9/11 Memorial, viewed the city from 1,225 feet in the Empire State Building, and more.

Instead of the events serving exclusively as tourism opportunities, students took a hands-on approach to learning marketing, finance, fashion, hospitality and more through the extraordinary itinerary. Student discussed the consumer and business aspects of each spectacle including the monetary necessities, technology, and marketing necessary to make each experience a reality.

“This trip really showed me how much I enjoy learning about marketing strategies and fashion and how I can incorporate those two,” said FHS senior Corinne Whitaker. “My experience in New York was one I’ll never forget. The city was everything I hoped for and more!” said Whitaker.

FHS seniors Ty McCraw, Jackson Rowden, Kelsey Caswell, Adara Adams and Corinne Whitaker were chosen to make the trip across the country. Students were chosen for the trip based on their activity in DECA, participation in past national conferences, and a career interest in marketing, finance, fashion, or hospitality. Of the five students selected for the DECA New York Experience, two had never traveled outside the state of Texas.

“The exposure to art, music and culture that our students experienced was truly life changing,” explained CTE Coordinator and trip advisor Amy Baker. “Every part of this trip was a learning opportunity that these students can take with them to college, into their careers and beyond,” said Baker.